Deputies: 86-year-old Fla. mom shoots, kills son

Published: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 10:01 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 10:01 p.m.

LAKELAND — Authorities say an 86-year-old central Florida mother has confessed to fatally shooting her son in self-defense.

Polk County sheriff's officials said Nancy Pennypacker ran outside of her home, screaming for help Friday night. She told the deputy her 64-year-old son had been drinking and hit her in the face when the fight escalated into gunfire. William Pennypacker was found dead inside the home.

Authorities say Nancy Pennypacker was shot once. The bullet traveled through her finger and into her shoulder. She is hospitalized in stable condition. Criminal charges are not expected.

Nancy Pennypacker says her son suffered from depression and has threatened to harm himself in the past. He has also been arrested in the past for batter and aggravated assault against his mother.

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